If you’re planning a trip to Yaoundé, you’ll want to pay close attention to the weather. The city’s tropical climate brings warm temperatures all year, but it’s the rainfall that really shapes your experience more than the heat.
Honestly, the most comfortable time to visit Yaoundé falls during the dry season from December to February. Rain is rare, humidity drops, and you actually get clearer days for exploring.
Yaoundé’s climate shifts between long rainy stretches and shorter dry periods. While the temperature doesn’t change much, the rain can really affect how easy it is to get around, check out outdoor attractions, or even take in the local culture.
Choosing the right season helps you avoid those heavy downpours and lets you make the most of the brighter skies.
If you understand how Yaoundé’s weather works, you can plan your trip with fewer surprises. Let’s break down the city’s climate, highlight the best months for travel, and see how each season shapes everything from sightseeing to local events.
Overview of Yaoundé’s Climate
Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, sits near the equator at about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level. The weather stays warm all year, but rainfall, cloud cover, and humidity shift as the months go by.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
Yaoundé has a tropical climate, but its altitude softens things a bit compared to the lowlands. You won’t see big temperature swings, but you’ll definitely notice clear wet and dry seasons.
The dry season runs from December to February. Skies clear up, rain almost disappears, and humidity drops.
The rainy season stretches from March to November. Rain doesn’t fall evenly—July and August offer a short break with lighter showers, but skies often stay gray.
You get more sunshine from December to February, with 5.5 to 6.5 hours per day. The wettest months, like July and August, dip to only 3 hours of sunshine daily. Those dry months just feel better for being outside.
Temperature Patterns Throughout the Year
Temperatures in Yaoundé don’t swing wildly. Daily averages usually sit between 23 °C and 26 °C (73 °F to 79 °F).
February is usually the hottest, averaging around 25.8 °C. August is the coolest at about 23.2 °C.
At night, lows rarely drop below 16 °C (61 °F), and during the day, highs often reach 30–32 °C (86–90 °F). So, you’ll always have warm weather when you visit.
Here’s a quick summary of the averages:
| Month | Mean Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| February | 25.8 |
| August | 23.2 |
| Year Avg | 24.4 |
Since temperatures barely move, it makes more sense to plan around the rain than the heat.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rainfall matters more than temperature in Yaoundé. The city gets about 1,500–1,700 mm of rain per year, spread across roughly 140 rainy days.
October is the wettest month, with close to 300 mm. January and December barely get 20 mm each.
Rainy season storms show up often but don’t usually last long. You’ll get a burst, then clouds hang around.
Humidity stays high most of the year, often between 77% and 88%. From May to October, the air feels thick, with heavy rain and little sun. December to February is less oppressive, with lower humidity and a little more sunshine.
With all this high rainfall and humidity, you should expect things to feel damp for much of the year, unless you’re visiting in the dry season.
Best Months to Visit Yaoundé for Ideal Weather
Yaoundé’s tropical spot and 700-meter elevation keep it warm all year, but rainfall patterns really split the year into dry and wet spells.
Dry Season: December to February
The dry season is your best bet for comfortable travel. Rainfall drops to almost nothing, with December and January averaging only about 20 mm across a handful of days.
Skies clear up, and sunshine hours climb compared to the rest of the year.
Temperatures stay warm but not stifling. Daily averages run from 24–26 °C, and highs hover near 30 °C. Lower humidity makes the air feel lighter.
You get 5–6 hours of sunshine per day, which is plenty for sightseeing or outdoor fun.
If you want to check out the National Museum or just wander the city without worrying about rain, this is your window. Evenings cool off a bit, so dining or strolling outdoors feels pretty nice.
Transitional Months: November and March
November and March bridge the gap between dry and rainy seasons. Rain picks up compared to the driest months, but you can still get around without too much hassle.
November brings average rainfall of about 95 mm over 11 days. Temperatures sit near 24.5 °C, with highs close to 29 °C. Humidity rises, but it’s not as intense as in peak rainy months.
March kicks off the long rainy season. Rain jumps to around 125 mm, usually over 12 days. Humidity climbs past 80%, and skies get cloudier.
Still, you’ll get 5–6 hours of sunshine daily, so mornings are usually good for activities before afternoon showers roll in.
These months work if you don’t mind a few showers and want to avoid crowds. You get warmth, decent daylight, and manageable conditions.
Weather Highlights by Month
Yaoundé’s temperatures stay steady, but rain can change the vibe fast. Here’s a quick guide for comparison:
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rainy Days | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 24.5 | 95 | 11 | 5.5 |
| December | 24.4 | 20 | 3 | 6 |
| January | 24.8 | 20 | 3 | 5.5 |
| February | 25.8 | 45 | 4 | 6.5 |
| March | 25.7 | 125 | 12 | 5.5 |
This stretch gives you the best mix of warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and less rain. December through February are clearly the driest, but November and March offer flexibility if your schedule needs it.
Seasonal Breakdown: Weather in Yaoundé by Season
Yaoundé’s tropical climate splits the year into two main seasons. Temperatures stay pretty steady, but rainfall and humidity can really change how enjoyable your trip feels.
Dry Season Overview
The dry season runs from November to March. You get less rain, clearer skies, and more sunshine.
Average daytime temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F), which feels great for walking tours, markets, or just exploring the city.
Humidity sticks around, but it’s easier to handle than during the wet months. Sunshine jumps to about 7–9 hours per day, perfect if you want to be outside a lot.
Evenings cool off, so packing a light sweater or jacket helps. During the day, lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and a hat are your friends.
Transition to Rainy Season
By March and April, things start to shift. Rain picks up, and thunderstorms show up more often.
The air gets muggy, and while temperatures stay in the 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) range, the humidity makes it feel warmer.
This can still be a good time to visit if you want fewer tourists and don’t mind a few showers. Rain usually comes in bursts, not all day, so you can squeeze in outdoor plans between storms.
Packing gets more important now. Bring a small umbrella, waterproof shoes, and quick-dry clothes. Roads and paths get muddy, so give yourself more time to get around.
Wet Season Overview
The wet season lasts from April to October, with the biggest downpours between June and September.
Yaoundé gets frequent showers, high humidity, and a lot of cloudy days. Temperatures hold steady at 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), but the damp air makes it feel even warmer.
Rainfall can top 150–200 mm per month in the peak months. That means slippery streets and sometimes flooding in low areas.
Sunshine drops to 4–6 hours per day, so you’ll see fewer clear days for sightseeing.
Still, the city turns lush and green. If you love photography or nature, the scenery is actually pretty stunning. Just remember, some outdoor spots might be off-limits, and you’ll want reliable rain gear.
Weather Factors Impacting Travel Experience
Yaoundé’s tropical climate means steady warmth, high humidity, and strong wet and dry seasons. Your trip experience really depends on how these factors play out.
Temperature Extremes and Comfort
Temperatures in Yaoundé barely budge all year, usually between 23°C and 26°C on average.
February is the warmest, with daytime highs around 30–31°C. August is the coolest, with highs near 26°C.
Nights almost never drop below 16–19°C, so you won’t need to worry about cold snaps. Still, the mix of heat and humidity can make it feel hotter than it looks on paper.
If you like things a bit cooler, June to September might feel better, but that’s also when the rain picks up. The dry months of December to February give you warmer, drier days that most travelers find easier for sightseeing.
Rainfall Intensity and Outdoor Activities
Rain really shapes your trip in Yaoundé. The rainy season runs from March to November, with the heaviest downpours in September and October.
October alone can bring nearly 300 mm of rain over more than 20 days.
The lighter dry season from December to February brings barely any rain, often under 50 mm per month. That makes it way easier to plan things like city tours, hiking, or day trips without getting soaked.
Even in the rainy months, showers usually come in bursts, not all day. Still, muddy roads, poor visibility, and clouds can limit longer trips or mess with your photography plans.
If you want to visit nearby forests or nature spots, the dry season makes everything simpler.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity stays high in Yaoundé, usually between 77% and 88%. The air feels thick, especially during the wet season.
If muggy weather bothers you, try to visit in the dry months—they’re a bit more comfortable.
Sunshine hours change a lot. In December and February, you’ll get about 6 hours of sun per day. July and August can drop to just 3 hours because of all the clouds.
This shift affects your mood and your plans. Clearer skies and longer daylight in the dry season make it easier to explore markets, cultural sites, or viewpoints. The rainy season just feels dimmer, even though the actual length of the day doesn’t change much.
Tourist Seasons and Visitor Trends in Yaoundé
Travel patterns in Yaoundé pretty much follow the dry and rainy seasons. You’ll see more visitors during the dry months when the weather is easier to predict. The long rainy season usually means fewer tourists and lower prices.
Peak Tourist Months
Yaoundé gets the busiest with tourists between December and February. Locals and visitors love these dry months because there’s less rain and plenty of sunshine, so it’s just easier to get around and see the sights.
Daytime temperatures usually sit between 29°C and 31°C. Humidity drops compared to the rainy season, and you barely see more than 50 mm of rain in a month. Outdoor plans rarely get rained out, which is honestly a relief.
You’ll notice more people at cultural sites, government buildings, and favorite restaurants. Hotels and flights tend to cost more, and you might need to book ahead. If you want predictable weather and don’t mind crowds, this stretch is probably your best bet.
Off-Peak and Low Season
From March through November, Yaoundé switches to its long rainy season. Rain picks up, especially in April, May, September, and October. October can bring almost 300 mm of rain, and it feels like it rains almost every day.
Skies stay cloudy, and humidity ramps up. Sunshine drops to as little as 3 hours a day in July and August. Sure, you might spend more time indoors, but the city gets a lot quieter, which some people actually prefer.
Travelers who visit during these months often find hotel prices drop and major sites feel empty. July and August cool down to about 23°C, so at least it’s not sweltering. If you’re flexible and don’t mind dodging rain, you’ll save money and avoid the crowds.
Festivals and Local Events
Big cultural events can shake up visitor numbers, rain or shine. Yaoundé’s festivals show off Cameroon’s music, food, and traditions, and they pull in locals and tourists all year.
National holidays and regional parties fill public spaces and markets with energy. Independence Day and Unity Day, both in May, turn parts of the city into big celebrations. Sometimes rain crashes the party, but honestly, the cultural buzz usually makes up for any weather hassles.
If you want to dive into local life, plan your trip around these events. Just remember to book your room early, since demand spikes even when it’s rainy and tourism is slow otherwise.
Tips for Planning Your Visit Based on Weather
Yaoundé’s weather flips between a long rainy stretch and a shorter dry spell, so your comfort really depends on how you prep. What you pack and what you do should fit the weather when you visit.
Packing Recommendations
If you’re coming in the dry season, from November to March, bring lightweight clothing that breathes. Daytime temps often pass 30°C (86°F), so short sleeves, hats, and sunglasses make a huge difference. Nights get cooler, so toss in a light sweater just in case.
For the rainy season, June to October, pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothes, and sturdy shoes with good grip. Rain can get intense, and muddy streets are pretty common. An umbrella helps sometimes, but if the rain’s coming down hard, it’s not always practical.
No matter when you visit, you’ll want insect repellent since mosquitoes are everywhere. Don’t skip the sunscreen either, because UV levels stay high—even when it’s cloudy. A small first-aid kit is smart, especially if you’re heading out of the city.
Protect your electronics with waterproof bags or cases in case you get caught in a downpour. If you’re planning hikes or rural trips, take a backpack with rain protection. It’ll save you some headaches.
Best Activities for Each Season
In the dry season, you’ll probably have a much easier time with city tours, open-air markets, and cultural sites since rain rarely gets in the way. Exploring the National Museum of Yaoundé or wandering through Mefou National Park feels more comfortable when the paths stay dry.
Locals and travelers alike find this is also a great time for longer day trips around central Cameroon.
When the rainy season hits, outdoor plans can get tricky. Still, you can dive into indoor attractions like art galleries, cozy restaurants, or bustling craft centers.
The rain turns the countryside a vibrant green, so if you’re up for braving the wet, short hikes sometimes feel especially rewarding.
If you show up in those in-between months—say, April or May—you’ll get a mix of weather. It helps to keep your schedule flexible, with both indoor and outdoor ideas ready to go.
Maybe you’ll stroll through botanical gardens in the morning, then duck into a cultural center if the rain rolls in during the afternoon.